Jewish group forgives tenor Tynan ... How about the Yankees?

I am delighted to see that the Anti-Defamation League has decided that Ronan Tynan is not the devil incarnate after his ill-considered joke a few weeks ago about not wanting Jewish tenants in his apartment building.

Now, it remains to be seen if the Yankees get the message and allow Tynan to sing at their stadium again.

I'm on record as stating that the Yanks made a huge error when they banned Tynan after his stupid anti-Semitic joke -- that Tynan had an incredible record of charitable activities and that the action was utterly unlike him.\

I'm glad the Jewish Anti Defamation League now agrees, and urge the Yankees to get on board.

According to a press release from the ADL, Tynan, the acclaimed Irish tenor, will perform at the opening dinner of the Anti-Defamation League's annual meeting on Thursday evening, Oct. 29 in New York City. The press release notes that Tynan has also convinced the ADL the remarks, meant as a poor joke, were totally unlike him.

In a meeting with ADL leaders, Tynan unequivocally and sincerely apologized for a comment he made about Jews. The ADL leaders said that "in talking with Dr. Tynan and hearing his life story, it was clear that he is a good man who understood that he had made an inappropriate comment that was hurtful not only to the person who heard it but to the community."

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, added, "it is our belief that when an individual who has a record of good works, as does Dr. Tynan -- who performed at many charitable events, particularly after 9/11, and for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan -- slips up on one occasion, a sincere apology should help everyone move on."

Tynan said he was grateful for the opportunity to talk through the issue with ADL.

"I understand totally the insensitivity of my remarks. I do understand from my own life how hurtful and wrong prejudice is." Tynan was born with a lower leg deficiency and has had both of his legs amputated below the knee.

Tynan will perform his rendition of "God Bless America" at the ADL dinner, which is focusing on ADL's educational and anti-bias programs.